White to start Saturday for Tribe

Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta said today that top pitching prospect Alex White would be called up from the Clippers and make his Major League debut Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.

Earlier in the day, the Indians placed starter Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day disabled list with a tight right elbow. They recalled reliever Frank Herrmann from the Clippers, but will need a starter to replace Carrasco on Saturday.

"We're going to bring up Alex White to make the start," Acta said. "His slider has improved at triple-A. He's still a work in progress. But he's throwing the ball the best down there and we think he give us the best chance to win."

White is 1-0 with a 1.90 earned run average in four starts for the Clippers. He was Cleveland's first round pick in the June 2009 first-year player draft.

In his most recent start for the Clippers, a 6-1 win over Indianapolis on Monday, White allowed one run and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out eight. His fastball clocked 96 mph in the sixth inning. He also showed his best slider of the season, which was a factor in Cleveland's decision.

White was known for his fastball and splitter coming out of college at the University of North Carolina.

"HIs splitter is a good pitch," Acta said. "But you need more than two pitches up here."

The Indians will have to make room for White on the 40-man roster with a move that will not be made until Saturday.